Modular camera with interchangeable image head and sub-system bases

ABSTRACT

An image head including a housing, side rails, a port, and internal componentry. The housing includes a first side and a second side located opposite the second side. The side rails are located on or within the first side, the second side, or both and the side rails are configured to provide sliding directional control of the image head when connecting to a base. The port is configured to electrically connect the image head to the base. The internal componentry includes a printed circuit board; an integrated lens and sensor assembly (ISLA) configured to generate an image; and memory located on the printed circuit board configured to store the image.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a modular camera with an image head that maybe swapped between multiple different sub-system bases. The image headincludes internal componentry such that additional internal componentryis not needed in the sub-system bases to generate images.

BACKGROUND

Generally, image capture devices are available that are capable ofcapturing both images and videos. These image capture devices mayinclude lenses that may be changed in order to change a field of view,increase or decrease magnification, or otherwise enhance image capturefor the image capture devices. Thus, a user may select a lens and placea different lens on an image capture device to create a desired effect.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are implementations of an apparatus where an image headincluding internal image generating componentry is switchable betweenmultiple different sub-system bases. These different sub-system basesmay be selected depending upon a desired activity of a user.

The present teachings provide an image head including a housing, siderails, a port, and internal componentry. The housing includes a firstside and a second side located opposite the second side. The side railsare located on or within the first side, the second side, or both andthe side rails are configured to provide sliding directional control ofthe image head when connecting to a base. The port configured toelectrically connect the image head to the base. The internalcomponentry includes: a printed circuit board; an integrated lens andsensor assembly (ISLA) configured to detect an image; and memory locatedon the printed circuit board configured to store the image.

The present teachings an image capture device comprising: a base and animage head. The base comprises a cavity. The image head comprises: ahousing. The housing comprises: a first side; a second side locatedopposite the second side, and side rails located on or within the firstside, the second side, or both. The side rails are configured toslidingly connect the image head within the cavity of the base. Theimage head comprises a port configured to electrically connect the imagehead to the base. The internal componentry comprises: a printed circuitboard; and an integrated lens and sensor assembly (ISLA) configured todetect an image. The base is free of any circuitry that generates orstores an image.

An image capture device comprising: a base and an image head. The basecomprises a power source; an image generation button; and a cavity. Theimage head comprises a housing, side rails, a port, and internalcomponentry. The housing comprises: a first side; a second side locatedopposite the second side. The side rails are located on or within thefirst side and the second side, the side rails configured to assist theimage head into a mating connection as the image head extends into thecavity in the base. The port is configured to electrically connect theimage head to the base as the image head extends into the cavity of thebase. The internal componentry comprises: a printed circuit board; andan integrated lens and sensor assembly (ISLA) configured to detect animage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Itis emphasized that, according to common practice, the various featuresof the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of thevarious features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIGS. 1A-B are isometric views of an example of an image capture device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic components of an image capturedevice.

FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of an image head located within aphone like form factor sub-system base.

FIG. 3B is a rear isometric view of the image head and the phone likeform factor sub-system base of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a partial exploded view of the image head and the phone likeform factor sub-system base of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is front isometric view of the image head located within arectangular form factor sub-system base.

FIG. 4B is a rear isometric view of the image head located within therectangular form factor sub-system base of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a partially exploded view of the image head and therectangular form factor sub-system base of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a front isometric view of an image head and a tethered cableform factor sub-system base.

FIG. 5B is a rear isometric view of the image head and the tetheredcable form factor sub-system base of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a first side of an image head.

FIG. 6B is an isometric view of a second side of the image head of FIG.6A with the second side being opposite the first side.

FIG. 6C is a rear isometric view of the image head of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a close-up isometric view of a front edge of the image headof FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E is an isometric view of the image head of FIG. 6A with a housingremoved.

FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of the image head of FIG. 6A alonglines VIF-VIF.

FIG. 7A is a front isometric view of a seal.

FIG. 7B is a rear isometric view of the seal of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present teachings provide an image capture device that capturesvideos and audio related to the video. The image capture device includesan image head that may be switched between multiple sub-system bases.The image head contains substantially all of the internal componentrynecessary to generate images, videos, or both. The image head isswappable between all of the sub-system bases. Each of the sub-systembases included different functionality depending upon the desire of theuser. The sub-system bases receive the image head and when the imagehead is installed images may be generated.

FIGS. 1A-B are isometric views of an example of an image capture device100. The image capture device 100 may include a body 102, a lens 104structured on a front surface of the body 102, various indicators on thefront surface of the body 102 (such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs),displays, and the like), various input mechanisms (such as buttons,switches, and/or touch-screens), and electronics (such as imagingelectronics, power electronics, etc.) internal to the body 102 forcapturing images via the lens 104 and/or performing other functions. Thelens 104 is configured to receive light incident upon the lens 104 andto direct received light onto an image sensor internal to the body 102.The image capture device 100 may be configured to capture images andvideo and to store captured images and video for subsequent display orplayback.

The image capture device 100 may include an LED or another form ofindicator 106 to indicate a status of the image capture device 100 and aliquid-crystal display (LCD) or other form of a display 108 to showstatus information such as battery life, camera mode, elapsed time, andthe like. The image capture device 100 may also include a mode button110 and a shutter button 112 that are configured to allow a user of theimage capture device 100 to interact with the image capture device 100.For example, the mode button 110 and the shutter button 112 may be usedto turn the image capture device 100 on and off, scroll through modesand settings, and select modes and change settings. The image capturedevice 100 may include additional buttons or interfaces (not shown) tosupport and/or control additional functionality.

The image capture device 100 may include a door 114 coupled to the body102, for example, using a hinge mechanism 116. The door 114 may besecured to the body 102 using a latch mechanism 118 that releasablyengages the body 102 at a position generally opposite the hingemechanism 116. The door 114 may also include a seal 120 and a batteryinterface 122. When the door 114 is an open position, access is providedto an input-output (I/O) interface 124 for connecting to orcommunicating with external devices as described below and to a batteryreceptacle 126 for placement and replacement of a battery (not shown).The battery receptacle 126 includes operative connections (not shown)for power transfer between the battery and the image capture device 100.When the door 114 is in a closed position, the seal 120 engages a flange(not shown) or other interface to provide an environmental seal, and thebattery interface 122 engages the battery to secure the battery in thebattery receptacle 126. The door 114 can also have a removed position(not shown) where the entire door 114 is separated from the imagecapture device 100, that is, where both the hinge mechanism 116 and thelatch mechanism 118 are decoupled from the body 102 to allow the door114 to be removed from the image capture device 100.

The image capture device 100 may include a microphone 128 on a frontsurface and another microphone 130 on a side surface. The image capturedevice 100 may include other microphones on other surfaces (not shown).The microphones 128, 130 may be configured to receive and record audiosignals in conjunction with recording video or separate from recordingof video. The image capture device 100 may include a speaker 132 on abottom surface of the image capture device 100. The image capture device100 may include other speakers on other surfaces (not shown). Thespeaker 132 may be configured to play back recorded audio or emit soundsassociated with notifications.

A front surface of the image capture device 100 may include a drainagechannel 134. A bottom surface of the image capture device 100 mayinclude an interconnect mechanism 136 for connecting the image capturedevice 100 to a handle grip or other securing device. In the exampleshown in FIG. 1B, the interconnect mechanism 136 includes foldingprotrusions configured to move between a nested or collapsed position asshown and an extended or open position (not shown) that facilitatescoupling of the protrusions to mating protrusions of other devices suchas handle grips, mounts, clips, or like devices.

The image capture device 100 may include an interactive display 138 thatallows for interaction with the image capture device 100 whilesimultaneously displaying information on a surface of the image capturedevice 100.

The image capture device 100 of FIGS. 1A-B includes an exterior thatencompasses and protects internal electronics. In the present example,the exterior includes six surfaces (i.e. a front face, a left face, aright face, a back face, a top face, and a bottom face) that form arectangular cuboid. Furthermore, both the front and rear surfaces of theimage capture device 100 are rectangular. In other embodiments, theexterior may have a different shape. The image capture device 100 may bemade of a rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, steel, orfiberglass. The image capture device 100 may include features other thanthose described here. For example, the image capture device 100 mayinclude additional buttons or different interface features, such asinterchangeable lenses, cold shoes, and hot shoes that can addfunctional features to the image capture device 100.

The image capture device 100 may include various types of image sensors,such as charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors, active pixel sensors (APS),complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, N-typemetal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) sensors, and/or any other image sensoror combination of image sensors.

Although not illustrated, in various embodiments, the image capturedevice 100 may include other additional electrical components (e.g., animage processor, camera system-on-chip (SoC), etc.), which may beincluded on one or more circuit boards within the body 102 of the imagecapture device 100.

The image capture device 100 may interface with or communicate with anexternal device, such as an external user interface device (not shown),via a wired or wireless computing communication link (e.g., the I/Ointerface 124). Any number of computing communication links may be used.The computing communication link may be a direct computing communicationlink or an indirect computing communication link, such as a linkincluding another device or a network, such as the internet, may beused.

In some implementations, the computing communication link may be a Wi-Filink, an infrared link, a Bluetooth (BT) link, a cellular link, a ZigBeelink, a near field communications (NFC) link, such as an ISO/IEC 20643protocol link, an Advanced Network Technology interoperability (ANT+)link, and/or any other wireless communications link or combination oflinks.

In some implementations, the computing communication link may be an HDMIlink, a USB link, a digital video interface link, a display portinterface link, such as a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)digital display interface link, an Ethernet link, a Thunderbolt link,and/or other wired computing communication link.

The image capture device 100 may transmit images, such as panoramicimages, or portions thereof, to the external user interface device viathe computing communication link, and the external user interface devicemay store, process, display, or a combination thereof the panoramicimages.

The external user interface device may be a computing device, such as asmartphone, a tablet computer, a phablet, a smart watch, a portablecomputer, personal computing device, and/or another device orcombination of devices configured to receive user input, communicateinformation with the image capture device 100 via the computingcommunication link, or receive user input and communicate informationwith the image capture device 100 via the computing communication link.

The external user interface device may display, or otherwise present,content, such as images or video, acquired by the image capture device100. For example, a display of the external user interface device may bea viewport into the three-dimensional space represented by the panoramicimages or video captured or created by the image capture device 100.

The external user interface device may communicate information, such asmetadata, to the image capture device 100. For example, the externaluser interface device may send orientation information of the externaluser interface device with respect to a defined coordinate system to theimage capture device 100, such that the image capture device 100 maydetermine an orientation of the external user interface device relativeto the image capture device 100.

Based on the determined orientation, the image capture device 100 mayidentify a portion of the panoramic images or video captured by theimage capture device 100 for the image capture device 100 to send to theexternal user interface device for presentation as the viewport. In someimplementations, based on the determined orientation, the image capturedevice 100 may determine the location of the external user interfacedevice and/or the dimensions for viewing of a portion of the panoramicimages or video.

The external user interface device may implement or execute one or moreapplications to manage or control the image capture device 100. Forexample, the external user interface device may include an applicationfor controlling camera configuration, video acquisition, video display,or any other configurable or controllable aspect of the image capturedevice 100.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may generate andshare, such as via a cloud-based or social media service, one or moreimages, or short video clips, such as in response to user input. In someimplementations, the external user interface device, such as via anapplication, may remotely control the image capture device 100 such asin response to user input.

The external user interface device, such as via an application, maydisplay unprocessed or minimally processed images or video captured bythe image capture device 100 contemporaneously with capturing the imagesor video by the image capture device 100, such as for shot framing orlive preview, and which may be performed in response to user input. Insome implementations, the external user interface device, such as via anapplication, may mark one or more key moments contemporaneously withcapturing the images or video by the image capture device 100, such aswith a tag or highlight in response to a user input or user gesture.

The external user interface device, such as via an application, maydisplay or otherwise present marks or tags associated with images orvideo, such as in response to user input. For example, marks may bepresented in a camera roll application for location review and/orplayback of video highlights.

The external user interface device, such as via an application, maywirelessly control camera software, hardware, or both. For example, theexternal user interface device may include a web-based graphicalinterface accessible by a user for selecting a live or previouslyrecorded video stream from the image capture device 100 for display onthe external user interface device.

The external user interface device may receive information indicating auser setting, such as an image resolution setting (e.g., 3840 pixels by2160 pixels), a frame rate setting (e.g., 60 frames per second (fps)), alocation setting, and/or a context setting, which may indicate anactivity, such as mountain biking, in response to user input, and maycommunicate the settings, or related information, to the image capturedevice 100.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic components in an image capturedevice 200. The image capture device 200 may be a single-lens imagecapture device, a multi-lens image capture device, or variationsthereof, including an image capture device with multiple capabilitiessuch as use of interchangeable integrated sensor lens assemblies. Thedescription of the image capture device 200 is also applicable to theimage capture device 100 of FIGS. 1A-B.

The image capture device 200 includes a body 202 which includeselectronic components such as capture components 210, a processingapparatus 220, data interface components 230, movement sensors 240,power components 250, and/or user interface components 260.

The capture components 210 include one or more image sensors 212 forcapturing images and one or more microphones 214 for capturing audio.

The image sensor(s) 212 is configured to detect light of a certainspectrum (e.g., the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum) andconvey information constituting an image as electrical signals (e.g.,analog or digital signals). The image sensor(s) 212 detects lightincident through a lens coupled or connected to the body 202. The imagesensor(s) 212 may be any suitable type of image sensor, such as acharge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, active pixel sensor (APS),complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, N-typemetal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) sensor, and/or any other image sensoror combination of image sensors. Image signals from the image sensor(s)212 may be passed to other electronic components of the image capturedevice 200 via a bus 280, such as to the processing apparatus 220. Insome implementations, the image sensor(s) 212 includes adigital-to-analog converter. A multi-lens variation of the image capturedevice 200 can include multiple image sensors 212.

The microphone(s) 214 is configured to detect sound, which may berecorded in conjunction with capturing images to form a video. Themicrophone(s) 214 may also detect sound in order to receive audiblecommands to control the image capture device 200.

The processing apparatus 220 may be configured to perform image signalprocessing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding)to generate output images based on image data from the image sensor(s)212. The processing apparatus 220 may include one or more processorshaving single or multiple processing cores. In some implementations, theprocessing apparatus 220 may include an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC). For example, the processing apparatus 220 may include acustom image signal processor. The processing apparatus 220 may exchangedata (e.g., image data) with other components of the image capturedevice 200, such as the image sensor(s) 212, via the bus 280.

The processing apparatus 220 may include memory, such as a random-accessmemory (RAM) device, flash memory, or another suitable type of storagedevice, such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The memory ofthe processing apparatus 220 may include executable instructions anddata that can be accessed by one or more processors of the processingapparatus 220. For example, the processing apparatus 220 may include oneor more dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) modules, such as double datarate synchronous dynamic random-access memory (DDR SDRAM). In someimplementations, the processing apparatus 220 may include a digitalsignal processor (DSP). More than one processing apparatus may also bepresent or associated with the image capture device 200.

The data interface components 230 enable communication between the imagecapture device 200 and other electronic devices, such as a remotecontrol, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, or a storage device. For example, the data interfacecomponents 230 may be used to receive commands to operate the imagecapture device 200, transfer image data to other electronic devices,and/or transfer other signals or information to and from the imagecapture device 200. The data interface components 230 may be configuredfor wired and/or wireless communication. For example, the data interfacecomponents 230 may include an I/O interface 232 that provides wiredcommunication for the image capture device, which may be a USB interface(e.g., USB type-C), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or aFireWire interface. The data interface components 230 may include awireless data interface 234 that provides wireless communication for theimage capture device 200, such as a Bluetooth interface, a ZigBeeinterface, and/or a Wi-Fi interface. The data interface components 230may include a storage interface 236, such as a memory card slotconfigured to receive and operatively couple to a storage device (e.g.,a memory card) for data transfer with the image capture device 200(e.g., for storing captured images and/or recorded audio and video).

The movement sensors 240 may detect the position and movement of theimage capture device 200. The movement sensors 240 may include aposition sensor 242, an accelerometer 244, or a gyroscope 246. Theposition sensor 242, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor,is used to determine a position of the image capture device 200. Theaccelerometer 244, such as a three-axis accelerometer, measures linearmotion (e.g., linear acceleration) of the image capture device 200. Thegyroscope 246, such as a three-axis gyroscope, measures rotationalmotion (e.g., rate of rotation) of the image capture device 200. Othertypes of movement sensors 240 may also be present or associated with theimage capture device 200.

The power components 250 may receive, store, and/or provide power foroperating the image capture device 200. The power components 250 mayinclude a battery interface 252 and a battery 254. The battery interface252 operatively couples to the battery 254, for example, with conductivecontacts to transfer power from the battery 254 to the other electroniccomponents of the image capture device 200. The power components 250 mayalso include an external interface 256, and the power components 250may, via the external interface 256, receive power from an externalsource, such as a wall plug or external battery, for operating the imagecapture device 200 and/or charging the battery 254 of the image capturedevice 200. In some implementations, the external interface 256 may bethe I/O interface 232. In such an implementation, the I/O interface 232may enable the power components 250 to receive power from an externalsource over a wired data interface component (e.g., a USB type-C cable).

The user interface components 260 may allow the user to interact withthe image capture device 200, for example, providing outputs to the userand receiving inputs from the user. The user interface components 260may include visual output components 262 to visually communicateinformation and/or present captured images to the user. The visualoutput components 262 may include one or more lights 264 and/or moredisplays 266. The display(s) 266 may be configured as a touch screenthat receives inputs from the user. The user interface components 260may also include one or more speakers 268. The speaker(s) 268 canfunction as an audio output component that audibly communicatesinformation and/or presents recorded audio to the user. The userinterface components 260 may also include one or more physical inputinterfaces 270 that are physically manipulated by the user to provideinput to the image capture device 200. The physical input interfaces 270may, for example, be configured as buttons, toggles, or switches. Theuser interface components 260 may also be considered to include themicrophone(s) 214, as indicated in dotted line, and the microphone(s)214 may function to receive audio inputs from the user, such as voicecommands.

The image capture devices 100, 200 may be configured in the form of animage head and may connect with various form factor sub-system bases asdescribed in FIGS. 3A-6F.

FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of an image capture device 300. Theimage capture device 300 includes a base 302 which as shown has aphone-like form factor (i.e., a base, a sub-system base, or phone-likebase) and an image head 304. A locking switch cover 306 includes alocking switch 308 that removably connects the image head 304 within thebase 302. For example, when a user desires to remove the image head 304from the base 302, the user moves or otherwise engages the lockingswitch 308 so that the image head 304 may be pulled out of the base 302.

The base 302 includes a shutter button 310 that upon actuation canactivate the image head 304 so that the image head 304 detects,generates, and/or otherwise captures an image (not shown). The image maybe previewed on a front screen 312 before the image is saved or theimage may be shown on the front screen 312 after the shutter button 310is actuated. The front screen 312 may be used in a “selfie” mode or toshow a user or subject of the image that the image has been or is beinggenerated.

The base 302 includes one or more ports 314. The ports 314 may beconnected to one or more internal components of the base 302, the imagehead 304, or both. The ports 314 may be configured to support transferof power, data, or both. The ports 314 may support charging internalbatteries (e.g., one or more or two or more batteries). The ports 314may provide access to data in the memory, receive data from the memory,or both. The ports 314 may be a USB, micro-USB, USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, anXLR, RCA, AC/DC power converter, or a combination thereof. The base 302may have multiple different ports 314 that each provide some differentfunction or connect to a different part of the image capture device 300.

The base 302 may include one or more microphones 316. The microphone 316on the front surface is located below the image head 304. Themicrophones 316 assist collecting sounds and noises produced while invideo mode. The microphones 316 may include one or more, two or more, orthree or more microphones. The microphones 316 may be located on a top,bottom, front, left, right, back, or a combination of sides of the imagecapture device 300.

FIG. 3B is a rear isometric view of the image capture device 300. Therear surface of the base 302 is shown with the image head 304 facingaway from the viewer. A majority (e.g., 60 percent or more, 75 percentor more, 85 percent or more, or 90 percent or more by area) of the rearsurface of the base 302 is covered by a rear screen 318. The rear screen318 may be used to preview images previously generated, preview imagesbeing generated, review memory settings, review system settings, reviewmode settings, or a combination thereof. The rear screen 318 may show auser what is in the view of the image head 304. A user may actuate atoggle 320 to control contents of the rear screen 318.

The toggle 320 is a button that permits a user to select an item from amenu, a bar, a window, a tab, or a combination thereof. The toggle 320may move from bar to bar, window to window, tab to tab, option tooption, or a combination thereof. The toggle 320 may change from pictureto picture. The toggle 320 may allow the user to change modes, adjustsettings, adjust volume, or a combination thereof. The toggle 320 maycontrol the image capture device 300. The toggle 320 may be an arrowbutton, an enter button, a joystick, a capacitive sensor, or acombination thereof. The toggle 320 as shown is located adjacent to aspeaker 322.

One or more speakers 322 may produce sounds or replay recorded audio.The speakers 322 may indicate that a recording is in progress, arecording is about to occur, or both. The speakers 322 may replay audiocaptured during use of the image head 304 (e.g., a video) or relaystatus information from the image capture device 300. The speakers 322may be located on any side of the base 302 (e.g., front, back, top,bottom, left, right, or a combination thereof). The base 302 may includeone or more speakers, two or more speakers, or even three or morespeakers. The speakers 322 may only be located on the rear surface.

The base 302 may include batteries (not shown). The batteries mayinclude one or more batteries or two or more batteries. The batteriesmay provide sufficient power such that the image capture device 300 mayoperate for about 100 minutes or more, 200 minutes or more, 300 minutesor more, 350 minutes or more, 500 minutes or more, or 1000 minutes ormore. The batteries may be lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

FIG. 3C is a partially exploded view of the image capture device 300with the image head 304 removed from the base 302. The image head 304 isshown extending out of a cavity 324 in the base 302. The cavity 324 issized and shaped to fit substantially all of the image head 304. Thecavity 324 may form an interference fit with the image head 304 so thata watertight connection is formed. The cavity 324 and the image head 304are complementary in shape. The cavity 324 and image head 304 may be anyshape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, oval, round,pentagonal, octagonal, or a combination thereof) such that the cavity324 and image head 304 are connectable together. The cavity 324 mayaxially receive the image head 304 and guide the image head 304 into thecavity 324. The cavity 324 includes tracks 326 (lower portions of whichare shown) that fit within rails 328 (upper portions of which are shown)on the image head 304.

The tracks 326 and the rails 328 work in conjunction to seat the imagehead 304 within the cavity 324. The tracks 326 and the rails 328 providesliding directional control to seat the image head 304 within the cavity324. The sliding directional control between the tracks 326 and therails 328 may provide directional support so that a user is not requiredto provide guidance during movement of the image head 304 into thecavity 324. The tracks 326 and the rails 328 may extend parallel to oneanother as shown, parallel to an axis of movement of the image head 304,or both. The tracks 326 may include a raised surface that fits withinvoids, slots, or detents of the rails 328, or vice versa. There may bean equal number of the tracks 326 and the rails 328. One side of theimage head 304 may include two rails 328 and the corresponding side ofthe cavity 324 may also include two tracks 326. The image head 304 andthe cavity 324 may have a single track 326 and a single rail 328 thatguide the image head 304 into the cavity 324. The rails 328 and thetracks 326 may have flat walls. The rails 328 and the tracks 326 may be“T” shaped so that the image head 304 can only be installed in a certainconfiguration.

The rails 328 may have a larger opening (e.g., a flare as shown in FIGS.6A-6B) and taper or narrow as the rails 328 extend from a rear endtowards a forward end of the image head 304. The rails 328 may includesuch a flared entrance or opening to assist in blindly inserting theimage head 304 into the cavity 324. For example, as the image head 304is being inserted into the cavity 324 a user's vision may be restrictedsuch that the user cannot see the rails 328 or the tracks 326 to movethe image head 304 accordingly. The rails 328 may include a recess thatthe tracks 326 fit within. The tracks 326 and the rails 328 guide theimage head 304 axially into the cavity 324 within the base 302. Therails 328 may be located on one side. two sides, or more sides of theimage head 304. The rails 328 may be located on opposing sides oradjacent sides of the image head 304. The rails 328 may guide the imagehead 304 into the cavity 324 so that the image head 304 connects to aninternal port 330 of the base 302, an internal heat sink 332 of the base302, or both.

The internal port 330 functions to electrically connect the base 302 andthe image head 304. The internal port 330 may provide power to the imagehead 304. The internal port 330 may provide signals to the front screen312, the rear screen 318, or both. The internal port 330 and the ports314 may include a same type of connector and the teachings of the ports314 are incorporated herein as to the internal port 330. The internalport 330 may have some axial compliance so that the image head 304 maybe locked in place by the locking switch 308, be in communication withthe heat sink 332, or both. The internal port 330 may be a maleconnector or a female connector. The internal port 330 may be a USBconnector. The internal port 330 may be an opposite connector as aconnector (e.g., see USB connector 612 in FIG. 6C) in the image head304.

The heat sink 332 functions to transfer heat between the base 302 andthe image head 304. The heat sink 332 may assist in cooling internalcomponentry within the image head 304 (see FIGS. 6E-6F). The heat sink332 is located in the cavity 324 and contacts another heat sink on theimage head 304 (e.g., see heat sink 623 in FIG. 6C) to transfer heatbetween the base 302 and the image head 304. The heat sink 332distributes heat within the base 302, the image head 304, or both. Theheat sink 332 may remove heat from the base 302 and may assist inreleasing the heat into an atmosphere around the image capture device300. A seal on the image head 304 (e.g., see seal 614 in FIG. 6C) mayassist in forming a connection between the heat sink 332 and the imagehead 304.

As the image head 304 extends into the base 302, a seal 334 within thecavity 324 of the base 302 is compressed so that a connection is formedbetween the internal port 330 and the image head 304 and the seal 334 iscompressed until the image head 304 contacts the internal heat sink 332.The seal 334 is a compliant material that may be compressed. The seal334 may be compliant in one direction (e.g., axially) and rigid in adifferent direction (e.g., laterally). The seal 334 assists insupporting the internal port 330 so that the internal port 330electrically connects to the image head 304. The seal 334 may protectthe internal port 330 or a region around the internal port 330 so thatfluid, debris, or both are prevented from entering the base 302 via theinternal port 330. All or a portion of the seal 334 may extend into theimage head 304. The seal 334 may be compressed between the image head3304 and a wall of the base 302 so that a watertight seal is formed. Theseal 334 may have some rigidity. The seal 334 may assist in supportingthe internal port 330 so that the internal port 330 connects to theimage head 304. The seal 334 may be made of virtually any material thatis hydrophobic and compliant. The seal 334 may be made of or includesilicone, rubber, plastic, a polymer, an elastomer, a closed cell foam,or a combination thereof. The seal 334 may extend through the wall ofthe base 302 to form a water barrier within the cavity 324. The seal 334may include a gasket 336.

The gasket 336 functions to form a seal between the internal port 330and the image head 304. The gasket 336 may extend into a port within theimage head 304 (e.g., see port 610 shown in FIG. 6C) and seal the port.The gasket 336 may extend into the port within the image head 304 toprevent fluid from entering into the image head 304. The gasket 336 mayextend around all or a portion of the seal 334. The gasket 336 mayassist the seal 334 in preventing water ingress into the base 302, theimage head 304, or both. The gasket 336 may be made of or includesilicone, rubber, plastic, a polymer, an elastomer, a closed cell foam,or a combination thereof. The gasket 336 may be made of a compliantmaterial. The gasket 336 may be made of a material that is softer thanthe material of the seal 334. The gasket 336 may fit entirely within theport of the image head 304 to prevent fluids from extending into theimage head 304.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of an image capture device 400 shown as arectangular form factor base 402 (e.g., a base, rectangular base, or asub-system base) and an image head 404. The rectangular base 402includes less functionality than the phone-like base 302. Therectangular base 402 may be an intermediate base 402 between thephone-like form factor 302 of FIGS. 3A-3C and a tethered cable formfactor 502 of FIGS. 5A-5B. The rectangular base 402 includes a lockingswitch cover 406 with a locking switch 408 to lock the image head 404within the rectangular base 402.

The locking switch cover 406 physically connects the image head 404within the base 402 so that the image head 404 is stowed and lockedtherein. The locking switch cover 406 further assists in maintaining asealed connection between the image head 404 and the base 402 so thatfluid is prevented from entering the base 402, the image head 404, orboth. The locking switch cover 406 may ensure that the image head 404 isinstalled properly and is maintained in a seated position once locatedwithin the base 402. The locking switch cover 406 may include a lockingswitch 408.

The locking switch 408 may release the image head 404 so that the imagehead 404 may be removed from the base 402. The locking switch 408 whenactuated may release the image head 404. When the locking switch 408 isactuated, a seal 410 (of FIG. 4C) may be free to decompress and axiallymove the image head 404 at least partially out of the base 402. Thelocking switch 408 may be laterally movable between a locked positionand an unlocked position. The locking switch 408 may slide within atrack. During operation, the locking switch 408 is in a locked positionso that image head 404 is retained in the base 402. When the image head404 is locked in the base 402, a shutter button 412 may be depressed todetect, generate, and/or otherwise capture images (not shown).

The shutter button 412 activates the image head 404 so that the imagehead 404 generates, detects, and/or otherwise captures images. Theshutter button 412 may activate the image head 404 so that images orvideos are stored on a memory of the image capture device 400. Theshutter button 412 may initiate a recording, initiate a display such asdisplay 418 to display a scene of interest from the image head 404, orboth. The shutter button 412 may initiate image detection, generation,and/or capturing, and a toggle 414 may control a type of imagegenerated, a mode of generation and/or detection, the image capturedevice 400, or a combination thereof.

The toggle 414 may control the image capture device 400. The toggle 414and the toggle 320 of FIGS. 3A to 3C may have similar features andperform the same functions. The toggle 414 may allow a user to reviewimages, change modes, set a timer, delete images, turn power on, turnpower off, or a combination thereof. The toggle 414 may change what isdisplayed to a user, how the image capture device 400 operates, or both.The toggle 414 may switch image modes between a motion mode where theimage capture device is moving and a static mode where the image capturedevice is connected via an interconnect mechanism 416.

The interconnect mechanism 416 may connect the image capture device 400to a static object, a helmet, a vehicle, a selfie-stick, a tripod, agimble, any other support device, or a combination thereof. Theinterconnect mechanism 416 may be a mount. The interconnect mechanism416 may be movable, static, rotatable, stowable, foldable, or acombination thereof.

FIG. 4B is a rear isometric view of the image capture device 400 of FIG.4A. The image capture device 400 includes the image head 404 within thebase 402 with a display 418 of the base 402 being visible. The display418 may concurrently show objects in front of the image head 404, modesof operation, saved images, saved videos, a preview of an image, day,time, date, or a combination thereof. The display 418 may be the onlydisplay in the rectangular base 402. The display 418 may be an LCDscreen. The display 418 may be substantially a same size as a rear wallof the image capture device 400. The display 418 may be changed bypressing the toggle 414. The toggle 414 may control what is shown on thedisplay 418, how the image capture device 400 functions, or both.

FIG. 4C is a partially exploded view of the image capture device 400 ofFIG. 4A with the image head 404 removed from the base 402. As shown, theimage head 404 is removed from a cavity 420 so that an internal port422, the seal 410, and a gasket 424 are exposed. The cavity 420 of theimage capture device 400 includes similar components as the cavity 342of FIG. 3C. and the teachings of the elements within the cavity 342 areincorporated herein for the cavity 420 of FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of an image capture device 500. The imagecapture device 500 includes a tethered cable form factor sub-system base502 (i.e., tethered base or base) and an image head 504. The base 502includes a cavity (not shown) that receives that image head 504. Theimage head 504 may be similar to or the same as the image heads 304, 404shown in FIGS. 3A-4C, the teachings of which are incorporated herein.The image head 504 is insertable into and removable from the base 502.The image head 504 is locked within the base 502 by a locking switchcover 506. The locking switch cover 506 includes a locking switch 508that is movable to release the image head 504 so that the image head 504is removable and may be used in another base 302, 402 taught herein. Thelocking switch 508 as shown slides from one side to another side torelease the image head 504 as was discussed herein with regards to thelocking switches 308 and 408.

The image capture device 500 includes an interconnect mechanism 510. Theinterconnect mechanism 510 assists the image capture device 500 in beingmounted. The interconnect mechanism 510 may connect to a helmet, gimble,tripod, camera stand, or any other device used to support an imagecapture device 500. The interconnect mechanism 510 may be similar to orthe same as the interconnect mechanism 416 as taught in FIGS. 4A-4C.

The tethered base 502 includes the least functionality of all of thebases 302, 402, or 502 described herein. The tethered base 502 is freeof batteries or other internal power sources and receives power via acord 512. The cord 512 connects the image capture device 500 to a remotepower source. The cord 512 may also connect the image capture device 500for information transfer to other devices that include memory, power, ascreen, a processor, a controller, or a combination thereof. Forexample, the cord 512 may plug into a phone, tablet, computer, exteriorcontroller, or a combination thereof. The tethered base 502, the imagehead 504, or both may include some memory, some power source, or both sothat the image capture device 500 may be temporarily used when the cord512 is unplugged. The cord 512 may then be used to recharge the powersource of the image capture device 500 when plugged back in.

FIG. 5B is a rear isometric view of the image capture device 500 of FIG.5A. The rear view shows the cord 512 extending into the tethered base502 and a shutter button 514 that activates the image capture device500. Upon pressing the shutter button 514, a video or image generationis triggered by the image capture device 500. The shutter button 514 mayonly activate the image capture device 500 while being depressed. Theshutter button 514 may initiate detection and/or generation of a videoor images for an entire duration that the shutter button 514 isdepressed, and upon being released, image or video generation may cease.The shutter button 514 may initiate detection and/or generation of avideo or images upon a first depression and may cease detection of videoor images upon a second depression. Other depression sequences are alsopossible.

FIG. 6A is a front isometric view of an image head 600 and FIG. 6B is arear isometric view of the image head 600. The image head 600 may beused with any of the bases 302, 402, or 502 taught herein and isinterchangeable with any of the bases 302, 402, or 502. The image head600 may be similar to or the same as any of the image heads 304, 404, or504. Thus, a single image head 600 may be purchased that includes all ofthe componentry to detect, generate, and/or otherwise capture images andvideos (not shown) and the image head 600 may be placed in differentbases 302, 402, or 502 depending on a desire or need of a user. Theimage head 600 includes a housing 602.

The housing 602 includes four sides that include a first side 602A, asecond side 602B, a third side 602C, and a fourth side 602D. The housing602 as shown is square in shape; however, the housing 602 may have othershapes. The housing 602 may be round, oval, triangular, rectangular,pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, a geometric shape, anon-geometric shape, symmetrical, asymmetrical, or a combinationthereof. The housing 602 may have a complementary shape to a shape ofthe cavities 324, 420 of the bases 302, 402, or 502 so that the imagehead 600 may be interchangeably moved between the bases 302, 402, or502. The housing 602 includes rail alignment features 604 to assist ininstalling and removing the image head 600 from the bases 302, 402, and502.

The rail alignment features 604 may include any feature that assists auser in properly installing the image head 600 within a base such as thebases 302, 402, or 502. The rail alignment features 604 may be a malefeature, a female feature, or a combination of both. The rail alignmentfeatures 604 may be located on one or more sides, three or more sides,or four or more sides. Each side may include one or more rail alignmentfeatures 604 or two or more rail alignment features 604. The railalignment features 604 may be located on opposing sides or adjacentsides. For example, the rail alignment features may be located on afirst side 602A and a second side 602B (e.g., opposite) or a first side602A and a third side 602C (e.g., adjacent). The rail alignment features604 may extend substantially an axial length of the image head 600. Therail alignment features 604 may extend about 50 percent or more, 60percent or more, or about 75 percent or more of an axial length of theimage head 600. The rail alignment features 604 may be sufficiently longso that when installed the image head 600 is properly seated (e.g.,connected) within the bases 302, 402, and 502. The rail alignmentfeatures 604 may act as a stop when then image head 600 is fully seated.For example, the rail alignment features may only permit the image head600 to be inserted a predetermined distance to ensure proper seating, toprotect elements of the image head 600, or both. The rail alignmentfeatures 604 as shown include first side rails 606A and second siderails 606B.

The first side rails 606A are located on the first side 602A (FIG. 6A)and the second side rails 606B are located on the second side 602B ofthe housing 602 (FIG. 6B). The first side rails 606A and the second siderails 606B extend in a parallel manner to one another. The first siderails 606A and the second side rails 606B may have a continuous widthalong a length. The first side rails 606A and the second side rails 606Bmay have a flare 608 to help receive a track or guide rail such as thetrack 326 shown in FIG. 3C. The flares 608 may assist in forming a blindconnection (e.g., a connection where the user cannot see where theconnection is occurring). The flares 608 may guide the track or tracksinto the first side rails 606A or the second side rails 606Brespectively. The flares 608 may be a first component that the trackscontact so that the tracks are guided into the first side rails 606A orthe second side rails 606B respectively.

FIG. 6B illustrates the second side 602B of the image head 600 of FIG.6A. As shown, the second side 602B includes the second side rails 606B,and the third side 602C and the fourth side 602D are free of side rails.

FIG. 6C is a bottom isometric view of the image head 600 of FIGS. 6A and6B. The bottom surface of the image head 600 includes a port 610. Theport 610 is a connection point where the image head 600 connects to anybase such as bases 302, 402, and 502 taught herein. The port 610 may bea recess that receives a portion of the bases 302, 402, or 502. The port610 may have a portion that extends into the bases 302, 402, or 502. Theport 610 may assist in forming an electrical connection, a connectionwhere signals may pass to control the image head, or both. The port 610may include any connection device to connect with the image head 600 sothat the image head 600 may be used to detect, generate, and/orotherwise capture images (not shown). The port 610 may include aconnection device such as a USB connector 612, however, other connectiondevices may be used such as the connection devices discussed herein withregard to the ports 314 or internal port 330.

The USB connector 612 functions to permit control of the image head 600by any of the bases 302, 402, and 502 taught herein. The USB connector612 may provide power, control, or both between the bases 302, 402, and502 and the image head 600. The USB connector 612 may be any connectiondevice taught herein. The USB connector 612 may extend as a cantileverinto the port 610. The USB connector 612 may be supported by a seal 614.

The seal 614 may extend around all or a portion of the USB connector612. The seal 614 may support the USB connector 612 so that when theimage head 600 is forming a connection, the USB connector 612 is notbent or damaged. The seal 614 may be compliant so that as the image head600 is being installed, the seal 614 may deform. The seal 614 maycontact another seal (e.g., the seal 334 of FIG. 3C) in the base 302,402, and 502. The seal 614 may extend from an interior location of theimage head 600 to an exterior location of the image head 600 so thatfluid is prevented from entering the image head 600. The seal 614 maysurround a circumference of the USB connector 612 so that fluids areprevented from entering the image head 600 through a region around theUSB connector 612. The seal 614 may be made of or include rubber,elastomer, plastic, polymer, silicone, or a combination thereof. A latch616 may be located on a side of the image head 600 opposite the port610.

The latch 616 functions to connect the image head 600 to the bases 302,402, or 502 and prevents the image head 600 from being removed. Thelatch 616 removably forms a connection. The latch 616 may be a one-waylatch that moves to form a connection when the image head 600 moves in afirst direction and prevents removal when the image head 600 moves insecond direction. The latch 616 may be any type of latch that forms afixed connection. The latch 616 may move so as to rotate, fold, bend, bepressed in, or a combination thereof. The latch 616 may be rigid,spring, move, flex, or a combination thereof. The latch 616 may have alatch hook 618 that catches a portion (e.g., the locking switch covers306, 406, or 506) of the bases 302, 402, or 502 to form a connection.

The latch hook 618 may move inward (e.g., into an extended position) asthe image head 600 is inserted into one of the bases 302, 402, or 502.The latch hook 618 may prevent the image head 600 from being removedwhen the latch hook 618 is in a resting position where the lockingswitch covers (e.g., 306, 406, 506) and the latch hook 618 are incommunication. The latch hook 618 may be static. The latch hook 618 maybe movable between the resting position and the extended position. Thelatch hook 618 may be mono-stable and may always return to the restingposition when no force is acting on the latch hook 618. The latch hook618 may only move when a force is applied to the latch hook 618. Thelatch hook 618 may be released by one of the locking switch covers 306,406, or 506 when one of the locking switches 308, 408, or 508 isactuated. The latch hook 618 may extend upward (e.g., from a bottom ofthe image head 600 towards a top of the image head 600). The latch hook618 may be made of or include metal, plastic, polymer, rigid material,flexible material, stainless steel, spring steel, or a combinationthereof. The latch hook 618 can be sufficiently flexible such that thelatch hook 618 is movable to form a connection and then movable into anunbiased state when forces are removed by the image head 600 being in aninstalled position. The latch hook 618 may be connected to the imagehead 600 via a fastener 620 as shown or may be integral with the housing602 (not shown).

The fastener 620 may fixedly connect the latch hook 618 to the imagehead 600. The fastener 620 may removably connect the latch hook 618 tothe image head 600. The fastener 620 may extend into the image head 600.The fastener 620 may be any type of fastener that connects two partstogether. The fastener 620 may be a/an screw, rivet, push pin, adhesive,weld, friction weld, over mold, or a combination thereof. The fastener620 may be located proximate to a latching recess 622 and the latch hook618 may extend into the latching recess 622.

The latching recess 622 functions to receive a portion of the bases 302,402, or 502 so that a connection is formed with the latch hook 618. Thelocking switch covers 306, 406, or 506 may extend into the latchingrecess 622 and connect to the latch hook 618. The latching recess 622permits movement of the latch hook 618, the locking switches 308, 408,508, or both. The latching recess 622 is complementary in shape to aportion of the bases 302, 402, or 502 so that a connection may beformed.

A heat sink 623 is located on a bottom of the image head 600 to assistin removing heat from the image head 600 during operation. The heat sink623 will contact a heat sink (such as the heat sink 332 of FIG. 3C) inone of the bases 302, 402, or 502 when the image head 600 is seated inone of the bases 302, 402, or 502.

FIG. 6D is an isometric partial view of a top of the image head 600 ofFIG. 6A. The image head 600 includes an interference member 624. Theinterference member 624 creates an interference fit with any of thebases 302, 402, or 502 when the image head 600 extends into the cavity324 or 420 to prevent fluid from entering into the cavity 324 or 420.The interference member 624 contacts a wall of the bases 302, 402, or502. The interference member 624 may be compressible. The interferencemember 624 may have a size that is larger than a size of the cavities324 or 420 such that the interference member 624 compresses to fitwithin the cavities 324 or 420. The interference member 624 may restrictthe image head 600 from being removed. The interference member 624 maybe made of or include a/an elastomer, rubber, polymer, silicone, or acombination thereof. The interference member 624 may include outer seals626.

The outer seals 626 may be compressed to form the interference fit. Theouter seals 626 may be a series of concentric rings that extend outwardfrom a body of the interference member 624. The outer seals 626 mayprevent water or other fluids from entering the image head 600 bycreating a barrier. The outer seals 626 may project outward and then becompressed in the installed position. The outer seals 626 may becompressible, flexible, or both. The outer seals 626 may be a monolithicpart of the interference member 624. The outer seals 626 may be locatedaxially inward from a plurality of grooves 628.

The grooves 628 function to assist a user in removing the image head 600from one of the bases 302, 402, or 502. The grooves 628 may extendaround a circumference of a top of the image head 600. The grooves 628may be a grip. The grooves 628 may extend horizontally orcircumferentially. The grooves 628 may be one, two, three, or even fourparallel grooves. The grooves 628 may be positioned outside of the bases302, 402, or 502 when the image head 600 is fully installed. The grooves628 may be located proximate to or be part of an external heat sink 630.

The external heat sink 630 functions to remove heat from the image head600. The external heat sink 630 may be exposed to ambient air (orliquid) so that the ambient air removes heat or heat is transferred tothe ambient air. The external heat sink 630 may be made of any materialthat transfers heat from the image head 600 to ambient air (or liquid).The external heat sink 630 may assist in balancing heat within the imagehead 600.

FIG. 6E is an isometric view of the image head 600 of FIG. 6A with thehousing removed so that internal componentry 632 is exposed. Theinternal componentry 632 can run the image head 600 without anyadditional components. The internal componentry 632 may include allfunctionality needed to detect, generate, and/or otherwise captureimages or videos. The internal componentry 632 may only operate for ashort period of time (e.g., 20 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, or 5minutes or less) without an additional power source. The internalcomponentry 632 may be free of a power source. The internal componentry632 may include a printed circuit board 634.

The printed circuit board (PCB) 634 operates to support and connect theinternal componentry 632. The PCB 634 may be rigid. The PCB 634 may beflexible. The PCB 634 may be one or more parts. The PCB 634 may includeor be connected to a system on chip (SOS), an embedded multimedia card(eMMC), or both. The PCB 634 may support, have a cable connection thatextends to, or include a USB connector 636.

The USB connector 636 may supply power to the PCB 634, supportcommunication to/from the internal componentry 632, or both. The USBconnector 636 may carry information that actuates or permits theinternal componentry 632 to detect, generate, and/or otherwise captureimages and/or videos. The USB connector 636 may connect the image head600 to one of the bases 302, 402, or 502. The USB connector 636 may beany connection device taught herein.

The internal componentry 632 may include a wireless antenna contact 638(e.g., a WIFI antenna contact). The wireless antenna contact 638functions to permit wireless communication between the image head 600and other wireless-enabled devices such as a WIFI-enabled device (e.g.,a phone, computer, tablet, kiosk). The wireless antenna contact 638 maycontact a wall of the housing 602 (see FIGS. 6A to 6B) to supportemission of wireless communications.

An end of the PCB 634 includes a PCB connector 640 that connect two orthree adjacent panels of the PCB 634 together. The PCB connector 640 mayallow the PCB 634 to move and flex while maintaining functionality ofthe PCB 634. The PCB connector 640 may be a flexible joint. The PCBconnector 640 may allow signals, power, or both to move between panelsof the PCB 634. One panel of the PCB 634 includes a wireless-enableddevice 642.

The printed circuit board (PCB) 634 may be connected to or include oneor more power management integrated circuits (PMIC) (not shown). ThePMIC may regulate power within the image head 600. The PMIC may includea battery (not shown). The PMIC may power the image head 600 when theimage head is removed from the image capture device 300, 400, or 500.

The wireless-enabled device 642 may be a card, a component on the PCB634, or a component that is electrically connected to the PCB 634. Thewireless-enabled device 642 may work with the wireless antenna contact638 to create wireless communication. The wireless-enabled device 642may wirelessly communicate with another WIFI-enabled device (not shown).The wireless-enabled device 642 may pass information from a memory 644to another device.

The memory 644 may be any memory that is capable of storing images,videos, audio, or a combination thereof. The memory 644 may be RAM, ROM,or flash memory. The memory 644 may be removable. The memory 644 may beboth a fixed memory and a removable memory. The memory 644 may include areceptacle 646 that receives a card 648 (e.g., an SD card).

The receptacle 646 may permit for the card 648 to be optionallyinstalled, for example, to expand or upgrade the memory 644. Forexample, the card 648 can be removed and used with a different device(not shown). The receptacle 646 and the card 648 may be sealed withinthe image head 600 such that an only time the card 648 may be integratedor changed is during installation. The card 648 may make each image head600 adaptable to support different sizes and shapes. The receptacle 646and the card 648 are in communication with the optical system 650.

The optical system 650 is any optical system that can detect, generate,and/or otherwise capture images, videos, or both. The optical system 650includes every component needed to detect, generate, and/or otherwisecapture images, videos, or both. The optical system 650 is entirelycontained within the image head 600. The optical system 650 is shown inmore detail in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6F.

FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A along lines VIF-VIF. Theoptical system 650 is an integrated sensor and lens assembly (ISLA) 652.The ISLA 652 has a length as shown. The ISLA 652 includes a sensor 654.

The sensor 654 can detect, generate, and/or otherwise capture the imagesor videos. The sensor 654 may be any sensor that is used in a camera todetect, generate, and/or otherwise capture images or videos. The sensor654 may be aligned with one or more lenses 656.

The lenses 656 may be any lens that functions to focus light reflectedfrom an item of interest so that the item of interest may be detected,captured, or recorded. The lenses 656 may include features such asmagnification (e.g., zoom), wide angle, color, filtering, or acombination thereof. There may be one or more, two or more, three ormore, or even four or more lenses 656. The lenses 656 may be fixedlenses. The lenses 656 may all extend along an optical axis 658. Theoptical axis 658 may extend through the sensor 654 and the lenses 656.The optical axis 658 may extend through the ISLA 652 and a lens 660.

The lens 660 may be an outermost lens. The lens 660 may create a seal.The lens 660 may protect the lenses 656 and the internal componentry 632within the image head 600. The lens 660 may provide a waterproof seal.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a connector cover 700. Theconnector cover 700 functions to assist in providing waterproofing tothe image heads 304, 404, 504, or 600; the bases 302, 402, or 502; orboth. The connector cover 700 may providing such waterproofing to theimage heads 304, 404, 504, or 600; the bases 302, 402, or 502; or bothwhen the image heads 304, 404, 504, or 600; the bases 302, 402, or 502;or both are connected together.

The connector cover 700 includes a lip 702 that that abuts or sits on aninside of any of the image heads 304, 404, 504, or 600; the bases 302,402, or 502; or both. The lip 702 prevents the connector cover 700 frombeing removed. The lip 702 may provide waterproofing to any of thecavities 324 or 420 of the bases 302, 402, or 502. The lip 702 mayextend radially outward. The lip 702 may form a rear wall of theconnector cover 700. A projection 704 extends outward from the lip 702.

The projection 704 extends into any of the cavities 324 or 420, aroundan internal port (e.g., such as the internal ports 330 or 422 thatinclude a USB connector), or both. The projection 704 extends through awall of any of the cavities 324 or 420 to prevent fluid from enteringthrough the wall. The projection 704 may be substantially rigid and freeof any compressibility. The projection 704 may prevent the USB connector612 from bending or flexing. The projection 704 may support the USBconnector 612 while a connecting is being created. The projection 704may be compressible or have some compressibility so that a connector,such as the USB connector 612, may form a connection with the internalports 330 or 422. The projection 704 may surround all or a portion ofthe USB connector 612, the internal ports 330 or 422, or both. Theprojection 704 may form a supportive sleeve around the USB connector612, the internal ports 330 or 422, or both. The projection 704 maysupport a seal 706.

The seal 706 may extend around the projection 704 and be located behindthe lip 702. The lip 702 may retain the seal 706 on the connector cover700. The seal 706 may be malleable. The seal 706 may compress and deformso that a seal is formed between the connector cover 700 and adjacentinternal ports 330 or 422. The seal 706 may be made of or includerubber, an elastomer, silicone, or a combination thereof. The seal 706may be an O-ring.

FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the connector cover 700 of FIG.7A. The connector cover 700 includes ribs 708. The ribs 708 may form afit with the USB connector 612, the internal ports 330 or 422, or both.The ribs 708 may provide rigidness to the connector cover 700. The ribs708 may create radial stiffness, longitudinal stiffness, axialstiffness, or a combination thereof. The ribs 708 may prevent the USBconnector 612, the internal ports 330 or 422, the connector cover 700,or a combination thereof from bending.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with certainembodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to belimited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intendedto cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements includedwithin the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accordedthe broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modificationsand equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image head comprising: a housing comprising: afirst side; a second side located opposite the second side; side railslocated on or within the first side, the second side, or both, whereinthe side rails are configured to provide sliding directional control ofthe image head when connecting to a base; a port forming a recess in thehousing that is configured to receive a portion of the base so that theimage head is connectable to the base; a USB connector located withinthe port and surrounded by the port, wherein the USB connector isconfigured to electrically connect the image head to the base, whereinthe port is configured to receive a seal of the base so that the seal iscompressible within the port and the seal surrounds all or a portion ofthe USB connector to provide support to the USB connector, and whereinthe seal is configured to prevent fluids from entering the image head;and internal componentry comprising: a printed circuit board; anintegrated lens and sensor assembly (ISLA) configured to detect animage; and memory located on the printed circuit board configured tostore the image.
 2. The image head of claim 1, wherein the side railsinclude a flare so that the image head can be blindly installed withinthe base.
 3. The image head of claim 1, further comprising a latch hookconfigured to connect the image head to the base when the image head isin communication with the base.
 4. The image head of claim 3, whereinthe latch hook is movable so that during installation the latch hookmoves from a resting position, to an extended position while the imagehead is being installed, and then moves back to the resting position tolock the image head within the base.
 5. The image head of claim 1,further comprising grooves extending around a forward end of the imagehead, wherein the grooves assist a user in gripping the image headduring installation or removal of the image head from the base.
 6. Theimage head of claim 1, wherein a portion of the seal is located insideof the image head and a portion of the seal is located outside of theimage head.
 7. The image head of claim 1, wherein the internalcomponentry further comprises a wireless-enabled device, a receptacle,and a card that removably extends into the receptacle to provideprogramming, memory, or both.
 8. The image head of claim 1, furthercomprising: a heat sink located on a bottom of the image head.
 9. Theimage head of claim 1, further comprising: an interference member thatextends around an outer surface of the image head.
 10. An image capturedevice comprising: a base comprising: a cavity; and an image headcomprising: a housing comprising: a first side; a second side locatedopposite the second side; side rails located on or within the firstside, the second side, or both, the side rails configured to slidinglyconnect the image head within the cavity of the base; a port configuredto electrically connect the image head to the base; internal componentrycomprising: a printed circuit board; and an integrated lens and sensorassembly (ISLA) configured to detect an image, wherein the base is freeof any circuitry that generates or stores an image, and wherein theimage head includes a latch that connects with a locking switch cover inthe base to removably secure the image head within the base.
 11. Theimage capture device of claim 10, wherein the base comprises a frontscreen, a rear screen, a speaker, a microphone, ports, a shutter button,and a battery.
 12. The image capture device of claim 11, wherein theinternal componentry within the image head controls image generation,and wherein the base provides a support for the image head during theimage generation.
 13. The image capture device of claim 10, wherein thebase has a rectangular form factor, the base comprising: a singledisplay, a toggle, a shutter button, and a locking switch cover tosecure the image head within the base.
 14. The image capture device ofclaim 10, further comprising: an interference member that extends aroundan outer surface of the image head so that when the image head isinserted into the base, an interference fit is formed.
 15. An imagecapture device comprising: a base comprising: a power source; an imagegeneration button; a cavity; a heatsink disposed in the cavity; and aseal; an image head comprising: a housing comprising: a first side; anda second side located opposite the second side; side rails located on orwithin the first side and the second side, the side rails configured toassist the image head into a mating connection as the image head extendsinto the cavity in the base; a port configured to electrically connectthe image head to the base as the image head extends into the cavity ofthe base; a heat sink; and internal componentry comprising: a printedcircuit board; and an integrated lens and sensor assembly (ISLA)configured to detect an image; wherein when the image head is installedin the cavity of the base, the heat sink of the base and the heat sinkof the image head are in thermal communication; and wherein the seal iscompressible so that the heat sink of the image head and the heat sinkof the base are movable into direct contact upon installation of theimage head to the base so that heat transfers between the image head andthe base.
 16. The image capture device of claim 15, further comprising aUSB connector within the cavity, and wherein the seal extends around theUSB connector and supports the USB connector during installation of theimage head to the base so that the USB connector within the cavityconnects with a USB connector in the image head.
 17. The image capturedevice of claim 15, wherein the cavity of the base comprises tracks, andwherein the image head comprises rails that matingly engage the tracksto facilitate installation of the image head into the cavity of thebase.
 18. The image capture device of claim 15, further comprising anouter seal that extends around a periphery of the image head, whereinthe outer seal is compressible by the cavity to prevent fluid fromentering the cavity when the image head is installed.
 19. The imagecapture device of claim 15, further comprising: an interference memberthat extends around an outer surface of the image head so that when theimage head is inserted into the base, an interference fit is formed. 20.The image capture device of claim 15, wherein the seal includes ribsthat provide stiffness to the seal and assist the seal in prohibitingthe USB connector from bending.